AVI videos not working

[Cetti]

Most of my camera videos are MOV and they stopped working, but have just downloaded a quicktime alt and they are now ok - but some have changed to AVI and no picture or sound - so please what do I do now as these are very precious films? Thank you for any help.

[Wak]

You could have some Codecs missing.
In the meantime download and install FORMAT FACTORY and convert the AVI back to MOV.
It's a good FREE program.

[Cetti]

I did what you advised WAk, but collect 9 lots of malware from the Format Factory site. It's taken me till now (10.30pm) to clean the rubbish, thanks to Norman remover, so will unpack it tomorrow if I feel brave enough.

A link to a safe site would have been ideal.

[Wak]

I have been using Format Factory regularly for many years now and have never ever had any problems with viruses or malware so can only assume that maybe you picked something up when downloading the quicktime alternative or when looking at other alternative sites.
If you collected 9 lots of malware, how good is your Antivirus and Firewall??

[Cetti]

I've finally got rid of the last lot of rubbish then A load of toolbars from Ask appeared. As I didn't have a link I went to the first page that said Format Factory - not a good move.

Thankfully all but one video works now and that has avi instead of mov - not sure what to do now as they all came from the same camera , so why different file names? Computer is clean and next step is trying to work out to use this software. Would you take me through it in steps, Wak?

[Wak]

Hi, Cetti, To change AVI to MOV,
Open Format Factory program, (if required - http://www.pcfreetime.com/)
Click on VIDEO at top of left panel, it opens showing all video file types.
Click on MOV icon near bottom of list. New panel opens.
Click ADD FILE.
In new panel browse to required AVI file, highlight then click OPEN.
New panel now shows AVI file at top.
Select Output folder, (I suggest output source folder)
Click OUTPUT SETTINGS.
Select as required, Video size, Bitrate, FPS, Audio Bit Rate & Vol control (if required).
Click OK.
Panel changes back, Click OK.
Panel changes, Click START, now wait until finished converting.

I think the above should cover it.
See how you go.
Wak.

[Cetti]

Thank you Wak. Have printed out your instructions. Will now proceed to the scary part - See you tomorrow!

[Cetti]

Something really odd has happened, Wak. During the night my non-playing videos underwent a change - and they all play this morning......even the one that kept showing an error message telling me to change the format. Now, what do you make of that?

[Wak]

Very strange! At least if they change over again tonight you can use Format Factory to rectify the situation.
Wak.